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Mennonite Girls Can Cook is a collection of recipes which were posted daily for a period of ten years from 2008 to 2018. We have over 3,000 delicious recipes that we invite you to try. The recipes can be accessed in our recipe file by category or you can use the search engine.

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Bread For The Journey

Comforted to Comforter

He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.

When they are troubled,

we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

2 Corinthians 2:4 NLT

In April of 2008 our wee granddaughter was born. Her name was Hannah Shiloh...and it suited her just right. We cradled her briefly...admired her dark curls and soft skin...and then we said our farewells. She was our visitor from heaven...and stayed only a short while. But our lives were touched forever.

The pain and the grief are indescribable at a time like that. But the God who created us sees the big picture. He does not leave us alone in our struggles. He brings comfort in so many ways. I can testify to that.

At the time of Hannah's passing we were given a little tree to plant in her memory. It's a beautiful pink magnolia tree...and it chooses to bloom on her birthday each year. Though I am sad when the date comes and goes...and I pause to think of the granddaughter that is missing from our little clan...the flowers make me smile. They are God's reminder that she is in His loving arms!

2 Corinthians 1:4 reminds me again of how God provides strength...surrounds us with friends and brings us through our difficult times. And because of that...I can walk alongside others who are going through similar trials and offer empathy. God is our comfort and we are His hands and feet in comforting others.

I live with my husband on a dairy farm in the beautiful Fraser Valley of British Columbia. We enjoy having our grown children and our delightful grands living nearby. I usually have a project or two on the go and the coffee's always on!

Can I ask you a very personal question, Judy? You have my permission not to answer. Someone that I supervise at work has just lost her first grand daughter at just days old. This was a very much, anticipated little girl and loved from the time she was conceived. It has been a devastating loss. I am not a friend, I am not a family member and not even particularly liked by this person. I would like to show my support of her but did not want to intrude on a family visitation. I was thinking of sending a plant for her garden to her house with a card. Here's my question. Does your magnolia tree bring you enjoyment or sadness? I very much don't want to cause more grief in a person who is devastated by probably the worst thing that will ever happen to her. I am so sorry for your loss and know that you continue to feel it. The loss of the young is a thing that is not supposed to happen. Thoughts from anyone on this subject would be appreciated. I so enjoy this site for so many reasons. You remind me often of the small things that we are here to do. "God is our comfort and we are His hands and feet in comforting others" was my reminder today. Many thanks.

I can only speak for myself and I know that everyone internalizes grief differently. I love our little magnolia tree...which stands as a reminder of our little 'angel from heaven'. It is also a reminder of the love showed to us by others at that most difficult time. We have one more 'living memorial' in our garden...a pink hydrangea that was given to us by friends who lost their firstborn child at birth. The plants were gifts of love...meant to honour our little granddaughter...and have brought us joy as we remember. May God give you wisdom to do the right thing in this situation as you are His 'hands and feet' in the workplace.

When we lost our dear grandson almost two years ago, our dear friends gave us a rose bush, Mother's Treasure. It brings comfort when I look out and see how healthy it is becoming. It reminds me of new life which our Colin has, no more pain and suffering but rather rejoicing in the presence of Jesus, our Saviour, who he loved.

Coffeetalk, I know you directed your question to Judy. Forgive me for intruding. When my husband passed, a group of my daughters friends had a tree planted in the town we lived in with a plaque. The city planted an oak tree, it was next to an elementary school play ground. It made me feel good that its shadow would be watching over the little kids. He would have liked that. I think making most any type of gesture towards those who have lost a loved one, acknowledges their grief and brings comfort. Sylvia

Again I'm turning to your page to get inspiration & again you've helped me to deal with another day. It relaxes me and makes me feel very humble....I think of the thought that someone passed on to me when I lost someone--"Keep me in your heart, I will stay there forever." Thank you.

How beautiful that Hannah's tree blooms every year on her birthday, almost to say .. "I'm here and I'm waiting for you to join me!" I am sorry for your pain in loss ..... but thankful that you have the comfort of knowing you WILL see her again one day!

Thank you Judy for sharing that sweet story - I like to think of the magnolia blooming around your dear little grand-daughter's birthday. It's a precious reminder that she truly is alive and happy in the most beautiful place ever. How happy you will be to see her little face someday. xo

Judy, thank you for sharing a part of your life (and a part of your children's life) that brought deep sorrow to the whole family. Thank you for sharing about the process of healing, which does not happen overnight. I pray someone today is comforted with the comfort you have received and given.